Forest beat 10-man West Ham to deepen Hammers' woes

Nottingham Forest secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man West Ham at the City Ground, propelling them five points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Both teams struggled to find their rhythm at the City Ground, resulting in a match lacking in quality. 

In the 28th minute, Kalvin Phillips' low strike was saved by the Forest goalkeeper, and on the other side Alphonse Areola had to deny Morgan Gibbs-White.

The hosts broke the deadlock late in the first half, as Taiwo Awoniyi clinically capitalised on lackluster defending by the Hammers.

Despite West Ham's efforts to create opportunities, especially through Mohammed Kudus, the delivery into the Forest box lacked precision.

In the subsequent period, Callum Hudson-Odoi created an opportunity for Awoniyi, but his header went just over.

West Ham's day took a turn for the worse in the 71st minute when Kalvin Phillips received a red card for two quick yellow cards.

Deep into stoppage time, Forest secured the victory as Hudson-Odoi fired home from inside the box, compounding West Ham's miserable afternoon.

This victory took Forest to 15th in the table, now sitting five points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, West Ham's ninth league defeat of the season leaves them in eighth place, trailing sixth-placed Manchester United by five points.